Canadian Immigrant’s CanSpeak section helps you learn English phrases, slang and clichés in a quick, fun way. From A to Z, you’ll find many of the most common and popular turns of phrase used by Canadians.

Icing on the cake
If something is referred to as “icing on the cake,” it’s considered an extra bonus. You already have the cake, which is the main thing, but you get the icing, too. The Christmas connection is that during the holidays people prepare traditional recipes, often with expensive or more unusual ingredients. In more frugal times, everyday cakes would be served without icing. During Christmas, special icings and decorations are used for cakes and sweets.

If the shoe fits, wear it
Associated with the fairy tale Cinderella, this phrase says that if something applies to you, then you have to accept it.

Ignorance is bliss
Written by English poet Thomas Gray, this proverb means that sometimes it is better to not know certain things, as “ignorance is bliss.”

I’m all ears
There’s something to be said for good listening skills. You could say that you’re all ears.

I’m stuffed
When you’ve had a lot to eat and are too full to eat any more, you might say “I’m stuffed.” What is the Christmas connection? Turkeys that are a traditional part of many Canadian Christmas dinners are often filled with a mixture of bread and other flavourings, which is known as stuffing.

In the hole
If you owe money, you are “in the hole.” Or let’s say a charity held a concert, but ticket sales were so low and expenses were high and they went in the hole $1,000. Well, do some advertising and better luck next time!

In a nutshell
When you say something “in a nutshell,” it means that you are saying it in a conclusive and concise way.

In a pickle
Whenever you find yourself “in a pickle,” it means that you are in trouble or in a difficult situation.

In cold blood
The murderer killed her “in cold blood,” meaning he did it without any emotional remorse and/or in a brutal, harsh way.

In limbo
After applying for permanent residence, you might be “in limbo” for a few years as you wait for a response.In one’s black books
The earliest Black Books included the names of monasteries that needed to be censored or punished. Thus, being in one’s “black book” means that you are in trouble.

In the doghouse
The last thing you want when starting a new job is to be “in the doghouse” — in other words, to be in disgrace and in trouble after making a mistake.

In the limelight
Being “in the limelight” can make you feel good. When you are the center of attention, you have to be careful with your actions as people will be paying you lots of attention.

Iron fist
The president rules the nation with an “iron fist,” which means he’s very stern and hard on his people.

Irregardless
You may hear people say this word in casual conversation, “irregardless” of the fact that it’s not actually considered to be a real word. The “ir” and “less” also make it a double negative. Simply use “regardless” instead.

It’s not over until the fat lady sings
The opera is “not over until the fat lady sings” — or so the saying goes. In daily use, this phrase connotes that when someone is losing a competition, they still may have a chance of winning.